Each month we host a clean-up in a different location around the island to increase the effectiveness of our efforts and bring awareness to all of the island villages. About 8-12 dive schools participated in each month’s clean-up, sometimes with more than 150 divers in the water. At the end of each day the rubbish was sorted and weighed in order to gain information about the source and type of rubbish found. By number of items, plastic products are the most abundant (29%), and when compiled by weight ropes and nets make up the majority of the rubbish (50% *weight when wet.) Items such as glass bottles and tires that are not a large threat to the reef are usually left in place to prevent further harm to the reef during removal. |
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The source of the large items, metals, and electrical appliances seems to be from the fishing and diving boats docked around the island’s bays, as most items were found under the boats. Plastics, foam, and nets could be both locally produced and drifted in from the surrounding areas as these items flow with the currents. In order to combat the problem of rubbish litter, it is important to educate the boat captains and staff about the negative effects of reef damage on their livelihoods. The use of plastics and foam on the island, which seem to be the most ecologically damaging and unattractive, should be decreased in order to reduce the amount being thrown into the island streams and waterways.
In order to be a dive school affiliated with the Save Koh Tao Group, an environmental briefing and recycling program must be instituted by the school to eliminate the chance of rubbish being thrown in the sea. By working with local businesses through our “Reduce Rubbish...No Plastic and Foam” campaign we hope to eliminate the sources of litter. Do your part by picking up rubbish you find and refusing plastic bags and foam with your purchases, instead bring your own bag or reusable containers. If we all do our part we can beautify and protect the island we love and depend on. |
